Refuelling

The multi role tanker acts as a multiplier of forces, significantly enhancing the range of any fighter equipped for air-to-air refuelling missions. It provides approximately twice the air-to-air refuelling capability of the VC10 and a similar capacity to the Tristar, but with the advantage of two underwing refuelling pods, as well as a third refuelling hose on some aircraft.

Towline mission capability. Over 60 tonnes of fuel can be offloaded at 1000 nautical miles from base, during 2 hours on station.

Deployment (trail) mission capability. Can deploy four fighter aircraft up to 2800nm from base, whilst carrying up to 15 tonnes of additional payload.